Learning French - Where To Begin?

For different learning profiles and personal schedules, the Alliance Française de Portland offers different ways to begin the adventure of learning French. Choose the path that corresponds to your goals and needs.  Scroll down to the bottom of this page to findout about beginner French classes (this list includes all of the classes at A0 and A1 levels). If you have questions, please write to info@afportland.org.

Things to know about beginner classes at our school:

• We teach French using the full immersion method.

• Not ready for immersion? Take a 5-week " 100: Introduction to French Immersion 101" class, led in English, to prepare for Beginning 101, the first full immersion class. This is an optional step and class is taught mainly in English.

• You may choose core classes to begin French studies. Your first step should be 101 class. 
• Do you have some time on your hands and would like to progress faster? Or have you studied French a while ago and want to go back to it? Then consider an  Accelerated Pace class and finish a level twice as fast as in a regularly paced class.  Start with 101-102 Accelerated.  Please note: This class is open exclusively to individuals with previous experience in French and some basic understanding of the language.  If you are a true beginner, please choose 101 class.

• Beginner Classes (except 100: Introduction to French Immersion 101) are taught in 10-week modules. 
• Beginning A1 level classes go from 101 to 106.

• All of our teachers are native fluent and trained to teach French as a second language.
• Depending on programs available, beginners may have access to workshops, mini classes, or seasonal specials.

Here are three different classes to start learning French

100

Have you been thinking of taking the leap into French but are apprehensive of the immersive learning style? Do you feel you might benefit from extra foundation work before diving into the full 100 series? If so, our Introduction to French course may be the perfect fit for you! This course is designed to help prepare you for French immersion through a gentle introduction to the method, supplemented with English. You’ll have the opportunity to learn useful classroom expressions in French in addition to some of the basics  that will allow you to continue with confidence into Beginning French 101.

101

Basic communication is introduced as well as essential grammar and phonetics. Appropriate for beginning students with no prior French experience.

101-102

This is a beginning French class designed for highly motivated language learners who have taken French in the past or who had some exposure and need to cover the basics. The class combines True Beginner 101 and Beginner 102 into one term by selectively exposing students to the necessary content to continue with confidence into Beginner 103.